Met Police to arrest Palestine Action supporters at Westminster protest
Officers warn expressing support for the proscribed group is a criminal offence under terrorism laws
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The Metropolitan Police will station officers outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 July 2026 to arrest supporters of Palestine Action. The group was proscribed in June 2025, making any expression of support a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in June 2026.
Defend Our Juries, an activist group, called for a mass show of support outside the court. Participants were asked to stand on a stage and verbally express support for Palestine Action. The Met said this would likely result in arrests for membership, support, or logistical assistance, such as erecting stages or providing sound equipment.
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No hearings scheduled for the day
The event was originally planned to coincide with court proceedings for those previously arrested for supporting Palestine Action. However, the Met confirmed no relevant hearings are scheduled for 30 July. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said this made the protest "all the more nonsensical."
The law is clear. Expressing support for proscribed organisations is a criminal offence and anyone doing so can expect to be arrested.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, Metropolitan Police
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Valentine urged potential participants to reconsider. He said the protest would disrupt court staff, victims, witnesses, and local residents. Police resources would also be diverted from other duties across London. The Met estimated thousands of arrests have followed similar events in the past year.
Face coverings can be removed by police
Officers will enforce Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. This allows them to require the removal of face coverings in the designated area between 08:00 and 20:00. A map of the zone was published by the Met. The power is intended to support the policing operation and prevent concealment of identity.
The Met said the protest would have wider consequences. Valentine stated it would affect Londoners whose local officers are redeployed to police the event. He added there were lawful ways to express views on the humanitarian situation in Gaza or Israeli military action without breaking the law.
What happens next
The Metropolitan Police will maintain a presence outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 July 2026. Officers will arrest anyone expressing support for Palestine Action or assisting the event. Charges will follow under the Terrorism Act. The force has not stated how many officers will be deployed or whether additional court dates will be scheduled for those arrested.
Questions this report answers
+Why are police arresting people at the protest?
The Metropolitan Police say expressing support for Palestine Action is a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act. The group was proscribed in June 2025, and the Court of Appeal upheld the decision in June 2026. Officers will arrest anyone displaying support or assisting the event.
+Are there any court hearings for Palestine Action on 30 July?
No. The Metropolitan Police confirmed no relevant hearings are scheduled for that day. The protest was originally planned to coincide with proceedings, but those are adjourned. Police called the timing of the event "nonsensical."
+Can police make people remove face coverings?
Yes. Officers have Section 60AA powers to require the removal of face coverings in the designated area between 08:00 and 20:00 on 30 July. The Met said this is to support the policing operation and prevent concealment of identity.
+What happens if someone is arrested?
Those arrested will face charges under the Terrorism Act for expressing support for a proscribed organisation. The Metropolitan Police have not stated how many officers will be deployed or whether additional court dates will be scheduled for those detained.
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